Samsung tonight unveiled a breakthrough for its NAND flash memory that could lead to much more storage in handhelds. The new approach manages to fit 32 gigabytes of memory into a single chip that measures just 0.6mm (0.02in) thick through the use of extra-thin, "bare" packages that are half as thick as before but are just as sturdy. Combined with a 30 nanometer assembly process, the chips are both 40 percent thinner and lighter and should lead to thinner smartphones and media players.

The Korean company hasn't said when it expects to release the more compact memory or who its customers will be, though Apple is currently thought to be Samsung's largest customer outside of Samsung itself and is often one of the earliest adoptees of any new NAND flash memory technology.